Kainos Group plc (“Kainos”), the UK IT services and platforms provider, today announced a partnership with Queen’s University Belfast that will explore new and innovative ways to deliver flexible education and IT skills development. Using distance learning techniques, an initial pilot group involving nine staff from Kainos will seek to develop their existing technical proficiency by equipping them to deal with potential cyber security threats.

By collaborating in this way, both organisations are exploring how best to offer innovative, flexible, and accessible ways to study cyber security subjects in a postgraduate format. This includes refining course design, production, and delivery of cyber security learning resources. The distance learning pilot will allow employees at all levels to work towards additional qualifications while continuing with their workplace commitments and maintaining good work/life balance.

Participants will be able to work towards recognised qualifications, with the eLearning pilot modules covering condensed course content from a full Master’s Degree programme.

Ms Maria Lee; Head of Educational and Skills Development at Queen’s University Belfast, David McGlade; Head of InfoSec at Kainos, David Crozer, IECIT and Gareth Workman; Group CIO at Kainos

“This is an innovative distance learning study environment that will support IT proficient graduates in developing their skills, learning new skills and moving towards recognised qualifications. The collaboration between Queen’s University and Kainos provides an excellent basis to develop and refine how we deliver education to students who are off-site and already in work. The focus on cyber security reflects the critical role of IT security skills in modern businesses now and in the future,” said Dr Kieran McLaughlin, at Queen’s University.

The Kainos staff participating in the trial will examine the principles of cryptography and the basics of network protection, monitoring and intrusion detection technologies. The course will also provide guidelines on design of secure systems and defence against attacks on encrypted information.

“Education plays a fundamentally important role in the success of any business, and partnering with a world-renowned education institution such as Queen’s University is a remarkable opportunity’” added Colette Kidd, Head of People Support at Kainos. “Our participation in this course is an example of our on-going commitment to our staff to equip them with skills necessary to address real-world business challenges and enhance their career development.”

Kainos provides digital technology services and platforms for organisations across the globe.
We've been delivering award-winning IT solutions, consulting and specialised digital products for over
30 years, and employ almost 1,000 people across Europe and the USA.